Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Social Action

Arachne at Textual Arachne has posted her thoughts on social action and Paganism:

But there is a third reason why I struggle with these questions. And...Well, I'm ashamed of it. The third thing that's keeping me from writing on this topic, facing it honestly, is a desperate need to cling to what I have. A shameful hope that by never spelling out what translating Pagan beliefs into social action means, I can avoid having to act on them.

I tried to do a search on Pagans and social action, and I didn't find much. There is one site that was specifically regarding this topic but there doesn't seem to be any activity on their site for almost six years. Many of the other links that I found mentioned CUUPS (Covenant of UU Pagans) along with social action such as this convention back in 2001.

Much of what I am finding is from years ago. I know that I have to be missing something, as many Pagan do mention social action. Anybody want to point me in the right direction?

10 comments:

Penguin said...

I had a wonderful, intelligent comment. Thanks to a power surge, it is gone!

So, here are some links I found on a Google search for pagan social action:

http://www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?ID=1357

http://tribes.tribe.net/nycpaganwiccans/thread/0a500308-f34e-4d0b-b48e-7e859c779f42

Will write more when the Power God allows me to.

S. Nichole said...

LOL - I have had that happen several times! It's frustrating, isn't it?

Thanks for the links, and I look forward to your further comment!

Niobium said...

I don't know about others but I myself do lots of social justice work, just without 'Pagan' attached to it. For example, I've volunteered with my local animal shelters, done some peace work, reproductive rights volunteering, etc.

If you are asking why Pagans don't have organizations such as 'Pagans to End Domestic Violence' or what not, I think it's a lack of unity due to society's opinion of Pagans. There are some organizations, such as the Pagan Unity Campaign but I don't know much about them.

Penguin said...

What I had said was so very similar to what niobium posted.
I don't think Pagans aren't socially active; I think that because of the Pagan myths being enforced by other religions, we must keep that part of us hidden and use other outlets for "make the world a better place".

S. Nichole said...

Niobium said:

I don't know about others but I myself do lots of social justice work, just without 'Pagan' attached to it.

I remember seeing an article (I now can not find a reference to it; wish I had saved it) that mentioned that Pagans as a whole were not socially active. Maybe the reason why is because Pagans do not participate as "Pagans," as you said.

If you are asking why Pagans don't have organizations such as 'Pagans to End Domestic Violence' or what not, I think it's a lack of unity due to society's opinion of Pagans.

And may be a lack of 'numbers' to keep such an organization afloat?

Penguin said:

I don't think Pagans aren't socially active;

Most of the Pagans I know are into activism so that was why I was confused at the lack of information that I was finding. I am guessing that is as both you and Niobium have stated regarding not attaching the Pagan label.

Niobium said...

Another thing to consider is income level. Most of the Pagans I know keep small farms or work for themselves, thus, they do not have the time to participate in many volunteer activies. Remember, those who have the time to volunteer aren't the one's working at McNarley's for mininum wage. Volunteers are people who have time to expend. So my point is there's a whole class issue you need to take into account.

Sonja Nelson said...

I think penguin has an excellent point. I think of Witches and Wiccans and Pagans created special interest groups that most people would be put off by them or refuse to participate because of their medieval (sp?) mindset regarding Witches and pagans.

Penguin said...

Yes, Rubicon, that is exactly what I meant.
I also agree with Niobium - us rural types are working for ourselves mostly and time to volunteer would have to be fit in between sunset and sunrise and sleep and eating and family...Perhaps our (Pagan - Wiccan - Druid) priorities are different?
Oh, the few times I have "tried" to be socially active, I ran in to way too many people that felt they were doing "God's work" and I was a "good Christian" for helping. Rubbed me the wrong way.

Niobium said...

Cosette: great points.

S. Nichole said...

Thanks for putting this together Nixie! It is something that is much needed.